Michael Allio and Danielle Maltby

Met on: Bachelor in Paradise, Season 8

Current Status: Broken Up

On Season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise, Michael Allio was romantically interested in Sierra Jackson, but he ultimately determined something was "missing" between them and he was unable to let his walls down for her following the 2019 death of his wife, Laura Ritter-Allio, from breast cancer.

But when Danielle Maltby -- who lost her fiance Nick Haag to a drug overdose in 2011 -- stepped foot on the beach on Bachelor in Paradise's 2022 season, Michael seemed ecstatic and affectionately called her "Dani."

They had spoken via DMs on Instagram and become friends prior to filming the show but claimed they had never met in person.

Michael and Danielle fell hard and fast for each other after being able to connect over their similar losses and traumas. The pair slowly got to know each other and never expressed interest in dating anyone else on the show.

Michael and Danielle chose to leave Bachelor in Paradise together as a couple before overnight Fantasy Suites. They both determined they weren't ready to get engaged, especially because Danielle had yet to meet James.

However, Michael revealed on the reunion show that James loves Danielle and never wants her to leave when she's around. Danielle also confirmed she adores the little boy and can't wait to be a bigger part of his life.

Michael also announced that he's "in love" with Danielle on the November broadcast and that she's changed his life for the better. Danielle is only the second woman whom Michael has ever said, "I love you," to.

Danielle shared on the reunion how she was planning to move to Ohio, where Michael and James live, in order to progress their relationship naturally. However, she noted they aren't going to live under the same roof.

In early December, Michael said Danielle would be leaving Nashville, TN, and making the move in two or three months.

"Maybe she'll live in Cleveland so James and I will have a little city spot we can go to on the weekends," Michael said in an Instagram Q&A.

"I'm just so excited. Long distance is difficult, but we've made the best of it and this next chapter and upcoming year is one I am so looking forward to. She's the best!"

In late December, Michael gushed about Danielle on Instagram, writing, "The best gifts are often the ones we never knew we needed. I'm so lucky to have found you when I did. Entirely unexpected, you entered my life at a time when I needed it most."

"It's true that life isn't fair," he continued in his post.

"And yet, it's generous if we allow it. I'm grateful for all we've shared this year and excited for all that awaits us in the future. Here's to hope. Here's to second chances. Here's to receiving all of life's unexpected gifts with an open mind and open heart."

Michael concluded, "Thank you @dmmaltby for giving me something to believe in and for being the greatest gift I never knew I needed."

And Danielle replied in the comments, "This is the love you hold out for."

However, Michael and Danielle's relationship took a turn for the worse after she moving to Ohio in early 2023.

And after playing coy about the status of their relationship for months, Michael finally confirmed he and Danielle had broken up months earlier in September 2023.

According to Danielle, the couple's decision to break up was not a mutual decision and Michael brutally dumped her the day after she had undergone an egg retrieval procedure.